More than 20,000 HIV/AIDS experts and advocates are convening in Washington to discuss progress and challenges at the AIDS 2012 international conference. The NIH, the world's leading funder of HIV/AIDS research, is the local scientific partner for the meeting, convened by the International AIDS Society.

NIH scientists and grantees are presenting their latest discoveries at the weeklong event. The topics include various advances in prevention, research to improve treatment outcomes - including management of co-infections - and possible approaches toward a cure.

"We are gathering at a defining moment in the AIDS epidemic where the science tells us we can turn the tide on HIV," according to a welcome message from the event's co-chairs. "Scientific advances are also propelling forward the efforts to find a cure and vaccine for HIV. AIDS 2012 will unite science, community and leadership from around the globe to develop strategies and mobilize support for translating new evidence into meaningful action that reflects HIV's complex web of social, human rights and political issues."

The conference theme, Turning the Tide Together, captures the current sense of hope and renewed optimism that a change of course in the HIV epidemic is possible, the organizers note. It also serves as an urgent call to action.